Sway Bar Bushing - Front

Replace the front sway bar bushings on a 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG to eliminate clunking noises and restore handling performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM specification A2213230785 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug bolts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at approved jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray sway bar bracket bolts with penetrating oil if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate sway bar and bushings
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the front sway bar running across the front suspension. The sway bar bushings are held in place by U-shaped brackets bolted to the subframe, typically near the center of the sway bar. Identify both left and right bushing brackets.
2. 2

   Remove left sway bar bushing bracket
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the left sway bar bushing bracket to the subframe. Support the bracket as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. Remove the bracket and the rubber bushing from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove right sway bar bushing bracket
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the right sway bar bushing bracket to the subframe. Support the bracket and remove it along with the rubber bushing from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Clean sway bar contact surfaces
   Use a wire brush and shop towels to clean the areas on the sway bar where the bushings make contact. Remove any dirt, rust, or old rubber residue. Clean surfaces ensure proper bushing fit and reduce future squeaking. Inspect the sway bar for cracks or damage.
5. 5

   Install new bushings onto sway bar
   Position the new bushings onto the sway bar in the cleaned areas. Ensure the split in each bushing faces toward the rear of the vehicle or as indicated by the bushing manufacturer. The bushings should sit in the same location as the old bushings, typically marked by wear patterns on the bar.
6. 6

   Install left bushing bracket
   Position the left U-shaped bracket over the new bushing, aligning the bracket holes with the threaded holes in the subframe. Hand-thread both bolts to ensure proper alignment, then tighten progressively in a cross pattern. Torque both bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install right bushing bracket
   Position the right U-shaped bracket over the new bushing, aligning the bracket holes with the threaded holes in the subframe. Hand-thread both bolts to ensure proper alignment, then tighten progressively in a cross pattern. Torque both bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels
   Reinstall both front wheels and hand-thread all lug bolts. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but are not bearing full weight. Torque lug bolts to Mercedes-Benz specification (150 Nm / 110 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar bracket bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify bushings are properly seated and brackets are flush against subframe
3. Remove wheel chocks after vehicle is lowered

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle over bumps and during cornering to verify elimination of clunking noises
• Check for proper handling response during lane changes
• After 50-100 miles, re-check sway bar bracket bolt torque to ensure they have not loosened
• Visually inspect bushings after test drive to ensure they remain properly seated

More procedures for this vehicle